Canna lilies are one of the most popular tropical flowers grown in gardens today. With their large banana-like leaves and vivid blooms in shades of red orange, yellow, pink and more, it’s easy to see why. One especially stunning canna series is Canna Cannova. But is Canna Cannova a perennial? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this canna series special.
An Overview of Canna Cannova
Canna Cannova refers to a group of canna cultivars rather than a single variety They were bred by Takii Seed Company and introduced around 2015 Some key features of Canna Cannova include
- Large, showy blooms in various colors like red, orange, yellow, pink and bicolor
- Robust growth habit and extensive branching
- Unique large leaves in green, bronze, variegated or black
- Early flowering and long bloom duration
- Compact, upright plant shape
- Excellent performance in hot climates
There are around 10 different named Canna Cannova varieties currently available. This canna series was created to offer enhanced aesthetics, flowering and durability compared to older cannas.
Are Canna Cannova Perennials?
Cannas are herbaceous perennials in tropical and subtropical climates. However, in temperate zones with cold winters, they behave as tender perennials or annuals. So are Canna Cannova perennials?
The Canna Cannova varieties are tender perennials, like their canna relatives. They lack the cold hardiness to survive freezing winter temperatures. Gardeners in zones 8 and warmer can grow Canna Cannova as perennials. Those in cooler climates must treat them as annuals and replant each spring.
Growing Canna Cannova as Annuals vs. Perennials
Growing Canna Cannova as annuals or perennials involves slightly different care:
As Annuals
In cold winter climates, start cannas indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them out after temperatures have warmed in late spring. Site them in full sun in rich, moist soil. Fertilize regularly and water during droughts. Dig up the bulbs before the first fall frost and store them over winter in a dry, cool spot.
As Perennials
In frost-free climates, Canna Cannova can remain in the garden year-round. Plant in spring once the soil has warmed. Provide full sun, frequent watering and regular feeding. Cut plants back to the ground after frost damage. Mulch the roots to protect them from cold. New shoots will emerge when temperatures rise. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years.
Tips for Growing Canna Cannova
Here are some top tips for getting the most out of Canna Cannova each season:
- Choose a site with full sun to light shade and shelter from wind
- Prepare a bed with rich, moist, well-draining soil
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart for growth
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Dig and store bulbs in fall where not winter hardy
- Plant in groups or blocks of color for maximum impact
Choosing a Canna Cannova Variety
One of the best parts of the Canna Cannova series is the diversity of flower colors and foliage effects. Some top varieties include:
- Canna Cannova Bronze Scarlet – scarlet blooms with bronze leaves
- Canna Cannova Mango – peach and yellow bicolor flowers
- Canna Cannova Lemon – bright yellow blossoms
- Canna Cannova Red Shades – vivid red petals on bronze foliage
- Canna Cannova Tropicanna Black – scarlet blooms on nearly black leaves
- Canna Cannova Blaze – fiery orange-red flowers
- Canna Cannova Rose – rose pink flowers on green leaves
Visit your local garden center to see the Canna Cannova colors available in your area. This series offers a wide range of choices for designing vibrant canna beds, borders and containers.
Enjoying Canna Cannova in the Garden
Canna Cannova offers an easy way to bring bold tropical flair to warm and cold climate gardens. With their lush foliage and continuous colorful blooms, these cannas are sure to be standouts in any sunny planting. Give them room to showcase their dramatic style. Site them as focal points, thriller elements or in masses for maximum impact. With minimal care, Canna Cannova will reward gardeners with nonstop color from midsummer until fall frost.
While Canna Cannova may return as perennials in frost-free climates, gardeners in colder zones can enjoy them as fast-growing, low maintenance annuals. Their stellar performance makes up for having to replant each year. For exotic tropical style, Canna Cannova is definitely a series to explore!
Five mistakes to Avoid When Planting and Growing Canna Lilies
FAQ
Do cannas come back every year?
Maybe this coming garden season will be different. Cannas are an impressive plant. First of all, with a little extra care, they come back every year so that makes them a good investment in my book. And they grow to an impressive size with most cannas growing to between 3 and 5 feet in height.
Is a canna cannova a perennial or annual?
Cannas are flamboyant tender perennials that provide a strong ornamental interest and immediately give a touch of the tropics in the garden or containers. Impossibly exotic, they bloom prolifically from midsummer to the first frost. Easy to grow, they stand proud and bold – provided some basic rules are respected.
Can cannas be left in the ground over winter?
During more mild winters, cannas can overwinter in the ground even in zone 6 in micro climates such as these.Apr 7, 2018
Is a canna an annual or a perennial?
Although cannas are herbaceous perennials in tropical climates, they can be grown as annuals almost anywhere as long as you give them ample sunlight and moisture. Cannas also come in a wide range of sizes, from container-friendly dwarf varieties to 6-foot-tall giants.